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Corolla hatchback debuts at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

For 50 years, the Toyota Corolla has faithfully served as the budget vehicle of choice for millions of drivers the world over. Toyota has offered this compact model as a coupe, sedan, hatchback and wagon, but in recent years we’ve seen only the sedan, at least in North America.

Beginning in 2019, a Corolla hatchback will join the sedan. Yes, there currently is a Corolla hatchback, but it isn’t the same model — rather it is the Corolla iM, formerly the Scion iM.

2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

The all-new 2019 Corolla hatchback is a derivative of Toyota’s new global architecture, leaping ahead of the current sedan in “newness” and sportiness. Indeed, Toyota says the hatchback will feature a revised sport-tuned suspension. Further, the hatchback will get a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota announced the 2019 Corolla hatchback prior to the start of the New York International Auto Show this week. That show launches with two media days on March 28 and 29, then opens to the public on March 30. The New York show is open on Easter Sunday and concludes on April 8.

As for the new model, the following is what we know about the hatchback:

1. Sleek design.

The hatchback will offer a similar front fascia to the sedan, but the overall canvas is comprised of sweeping lines and distinct edges. The new model is lower, wider and longer than the Corolla iM, with a wheelbase that’s 1.5 inches longer than the outgoing model.

2. Peppy engine.

Toyota hasn’t released the performance numbers for the new engine, but we do know that it is a high-compression engine with both direct and port injection. This combination typically yields an engine that’s more powerful, cleaner and efficient than comparable older designs. What’s especially terrific here is that Toyota hasn’t abandoned the manual gearbox, despite low demand for the same.

3. Improved technology.

The new hatchback will come in two trims — SE and XSE. Standard tech features include the latest telematics system with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity. Other features include an eight-inch color touchscreen, six speakers, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a USB port and auxiliary audio input. Upgrades include an eight-speaker JBL audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio and navigation.

4. Driver assist.

Manufacturers continue to build in additional driver assist safety features into more models or at least make them available on some trims. Toyota has been at the forefront with its own Toyota Safety System package. For 2019, the Corolla hatchback will come with the second generation of this suite, dubbed TSS 2.0. Here, you’ll find automatic high beams, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-sized range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and an all-new lane tracing assist. Notably, the latter works in conjunction with dynamic radar cruise control to keep the hatchback centered as it “reads” white or yellow lane markings. Further, you’ll find the usual blind-spot monitoring on the XSE and available on the SE. Certainly, the Toyota safety package with the 2019 Corolla hatchback should attract buyers.

At the Auto Show

There are a few things about the Corolla Hatchback we still don’t know, including performance numbers and price. We expect additional information forthcoming at Toyota’s press conference which, incidentally, will introduce the next-generation RAV4, its most popular model. We’ll update this page once that information is made known.

As for availability, the 2019 Corolla hatchback goes on sale this summer. Lastly, as for the sedan, we believe it will also receive an update, perhaps arriving by early next year.

Cadillac made some news this week when it announced the forthcoming 2019 CT6 V-Sport model, a performance variant of its largest sedan. But it wasn’t simply a new trim that caught everyone’s attention, rather an all-new engine, one exclusive to GM’s luxury marque that will power the V-Sport.

The engine is a 4.2-liter twin turbo V8, a long-promised and often-rumored powerplant for this luxury emblem. GM estimates the engine will deliver 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, numbers that will challenge BMW M and Mercedes-AMG for supremacy. Cadillac will offer a slightly detuned variant too, delivering a more “modest” 500 horsepower. The new engine will be hand-built at GM’s Performance Build Center in Bowling Green, Kentucky. That same plant also builds the Corvette Z06 engine.

“Cadillac’s performance technology reaches new heights with the new and exclusive 4.2L Twin Turbo V-8,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “The engineering prowess embodies the very spirt of Cadillac performance on and off the racetrack.”

Performance Prowess

It is no secret that Cadillac Racing is a formidable force and because of that its engineering has trickled down to Cadillac V-Series and V-Sport models.

The automaker says the new engine is a “clean sheet design,” which means it isn’t the derivative of an existing engine. The brand claims unique design elements in an effort to weigh performance with efficiency. Importantly, the fresh build allows the automaker to achieve the performance goals it had in mind for the CT6 V-Sport.

“Hot V” Configuration

Cadillac says the center of the engine’s design is a “hot V” configuration, one that switches the traditional order of the cylinder heads’ intake and exhaust systems. This arrangement allowed the engineers to place the turbochargers at the top of the engine or in the valley between the heads. The manufacturer claims the layout essentially eliminates turbo lag, while keeping the engine’s overall footprint tight.

The new design enables intake-charged air to enter by means of the lower outside of the heads before exiting through the top inside, where the turbochargers sit within the exhaust manifolds. A quick spool up renders an almost immediate power transfer. Further, the design permits closer mounting of the catalytic converters, yet another contributor to this engine’s smart packaging.

Other features of the new engine are as follows:

Twin-scroll turbochargers

Electronic wastegate control

Twin water-to-air charge coolers

Twin throttle bodies

Direct injection

Dual-independent camshaft phasing

Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation)

Variable-pressure oiling system

Stop/start technology

New Transmission Pairing

Besides the new engine, the Cadillac CT6 V-Sport will benefit from a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

This transmission is prized for it wide gear ratio, which Cadillac claims enhances step-off acceleration. With smaller steps between gears, the transmission aids the engine in maintaining optimum power nearly at all times.

2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport

As for the new model, the automaker says that its design inspiration comes from the Escala, a handsome concept car introduced at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.

This translates into a bold, dark front with a large V-inspired mesh grille along with new horizontal LED headlamps and vertical accents. Also adding to the menacing look are lower aero components and gloss black side window surround trim. The sedan will ride on unique, 20-inch V-Sport wheels set within summer tires developed exclusively for Cadillac.

Other features include a mechanical limited-slip rear differential for improved traction and predictable performance while on the track or when carving corners. A V-Sport specific suspension, a 19-inch Brembo brake system, modified steering and magnetic ride control damper calibrations, and a new exhaust system are among the other performance highlights for this model.

Besides the V-Sport, the 2019 CT6 lineup introduces Cadillac’s “Y” trim strategy for each of its models. Specifically, each model will have Luxury and Sport trims with varying personas and characteristics. For instance, on non-V-Sport CT6 models, new horizontal high-lumen headlights and a revised taillight design rejuvenate the brand’s trademark lighting, drawing inspiration from the Escala Concept.

More information about the V-Sport and other Cadillac models will be offered at the 2018 New York International Auto Show, which opens to the public on March 30 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Please bookmark this page as we’ll supply updated and new information as it occurs.